Catacombs of Paris

General information

Program details

Everyone knows Paris is famous for its monumental architecture, world-class museums, and illustrious people. However, few realize that just 65 feet below its streets a parallel city exists with a population of some 6 million skeletons arranged in 200 miles of former quarry tunnels that equally merits a visit. The Paris Catacombs are testament to the fact that the 'City of Light' has a darker side lurking below its romantic surface of tree-lined boulevards, public gardens and cafés, and its mysteries have rightly become one of its most popular must-see attractions.

On our Paris Catacomb tours you walk past the long line outside to explore the most alluring portions of this massive labyrinthine network. A top-rated City Wonders guide will accompany you deep beneath the city, its Metro lines and sewers, to visit the tunnels and macabre galleries of skulls and bone, captivating you with the haunting history and legends that have earned them so much acclaim.

Our tour groups benefit from the privilege of special access to parts of the Paris catacombs that are closed to the general public. Gates to two halls will be opened especially for your group to see the incredible sculptures chiseled out of the rock in the Port Mahon Gallery, where a quarry worker spent 5 years of secret toil from 1777 until a cave-in crushed him. Other sights include the Quarryman's Footbath, the Sacellum Crypt, with the altar where bones were blessed before being "archived", the Sepulchral Lamp, which burned constantly to show there was enough air in the tunnels, and the elusive Gilbert's Tomb.

“Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort.”, or "Stop! Here lies the empire of death." is a fitting inscription for the epitaph you read upon entering this fascinating underworld, where some of your strongest notions about Paris are sure to get turned upside-down. Get ready to "rub bones" with the likes of Rabelais and Robespierre on this intimate voyage into a Paris that few have experienced.

Language

English

Important information – There may be restrictions

Please note that Paris will host the 2024 Olympics from July 18th to August 11th, followed by the Paralympics from August 28th to September 8th. This may have an impact on our travel plans. While we are committed to minimizing any sort of inconvenience, please be aware that unforeseen issues may arise. We will make every effort to navigate challenges and ensure a smooth experience for you.